Renowned British-Nepalese climber Nims Purja was among 10 climbers killed in an avalanche at Broad Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram mountain range. Rescue teams have recovered his body, while efforts are underway to identify the other deceased.
Islamabad: A massive avalanche at the 8,047-metre-high Broad Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram mountain range has shocked the global mountaineering community. The body of renowned British-Nepali climber Nims (Nirmal) Purja has been recovered from the mountain by rescue teams. A total of 10 climbers have been confirmed dead in the accident. The Alpine Club of Pakistan said on Sunday that the body of 43-year-old Nims Purja was found at an altitude of about 5,700 metres above sea level. Three other bodies were also found during the rescue operation, although their identities have not been officially confirmed yet.
10 climbers killed in avalanche
Nims Purja’s mountaineering company, Elite Expeditions, confirmed his death on Saturday, saying a total of 10 members of his expedition team were killed in the avalanche on Broad Peak. According to Pakistani officials, the first climbers whose bodies were recovered were Mallory Geiss of the United States, Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthi of Oman, and Pur Bahadur Gurung of Nepal. Efforts are underway to identify the other victims and bring them back safely.
The bodies will be taken to the Japanese camp.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan stated that ground rescue teams will transport the recovered bodies to the Japanese base camp on the mountain. The rescue operation remains extremely challenging due to poor weather, high altitude, and difficult terrain. According to officials, the search will continue until all missing climbers are located.
Nepal’s Prime Minister expressed condolences
Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, saying the deaths of six Nepalese and four foreign climbers in Pakistan’s Karakoram mountain range have shocked the entire nation. He said the courage, dedication, and contributions to mountaineering of Nims Purja and his companions will always be a source of inspiration for generations to come.
The family said – his legacy will live on forever
In an emotional message, Kamal Purja, Nims Purja’s elder brother, said that while his younger brother and his teammates are no longer with us, their courage and achievements will live on forever. He said that the family is heartbroken, yet they are proud of their brother because he showed the world that with determination and confidence, even the impossible can become possible.
Tributes from around the world
Britain’s Prince William expressed condolences on the passing of Nims Purja, saying he first served his country as a soldier and later became one of the world’s greatest mountaineers. British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting also paid tribute, saying Nims Purja was an inspirational figure. He served in the British Armed Forces for years and later inspired the world with his daring mountaineering achievements.
The rescue team said the operation was extremely difficult.
Mountaineer Nayla Kiyani, spokesperson for the Alpine Club of Pakistan, said that Nims Purja was a highly experienced, fearless, and excellent leader. He had led numerous successful expeditions. She added that during the initial search operation that began after the avalanche, there were concerns that not all members of the team might have survived. The difficult weather and high altitude made the rescue operation extremely risky.
A shining star in the world of mountaineering
Nims Purja created history in 2019 when he set a world record by climbing all 14 mountains above 8,000 meters in just 189 days. He achieved this feat in more than seven years less than the previous record. The acclaimed Netflix documentary “14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible,” based on his extraordinary journey, brought him global recognition. He said at the time that the six-month journey was extremely difficult, but it proved that with determination, confidence, and a positive attitude, no goal is impossible.
Journey from the army to the top
Born in Nepal, Nims Purja served in the British Army for a total of 16 years, spending 10 of these years in the British Special Forces. In 2018, he was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his outstanding contributions to high-altitude mountaineering. While serving in the British Army, he also became the first Gurkha soldier to summit Mount Everest.
Big ambition was expressed in the last post
In his final social media post a few days before the accident, Nims Purja wrote that his original plan was to climb only Gasherbrum 2 (G2). However, before leaving for Pakistan, he decided to include Broad Peak in his expedition. His goal was to become the first climber in history to successfully climb all 14 8,000-meter mountains twice without supplemental oxygen.
In his message, he wrote that this plan wasn’t pre-planned, but opportunities only appear to those who persevere and work hard. He also wished for a safe return from Broad Peak.
Why is Broad Peak considered dangerous?
Broad Peak, located in the Karakoram mountain range, is the 12th highest mountain in the world. Its first successful ascent was made by an Austrian expedition in 1957. Since then, hundreds of climbers have reached the summit, but harsh weather, avalanches, strong winds, and steep icy slopes make it one of the most challenging in the world. 2013 was one of the deadliest years for the mountain, claiming the lives of at least six climbers. Nims Purja’s death is considered an irreparable loss to the mountaineering world. His achievements will continue to inspire generations of climbers to pursue their dreams with courage, discipline, and determination.